From a cast of thousands, we choose only those au pairs who meet our high standards, pass our tests, and complete our training.

Serious Screening

We take the business of selecting our au pairs very seriously. To ensure quality we use a multi-step evaluation process that includes no less than four independent staff reviewers who apply strict criteria and unbending rules for acceptance. We do not outsource the screening of our au pairs to third-party recruiters. By using our experienced team of in-house professionals, we guarantee that each au pair meets our high standards for acceptance.

Simple, open book evaluation

Since we've already done the legwork of organizing each au pair's documents and evaluation reports into a succinct au pair profile, it makes your interview process simple. As a host family, you will be able to thoroughly evaluate your au pair candidates' skills and experience. You get easy access to background and reference checks, au pair applications, photos, videos and personality analysis reports that help you make the most informed decision about hiring the au pair that's right for your family.

Detailed application

Our detailed application gets to the heart of an au pair's childcare experience and her motivation for wanting to become a great au pair. As part of the application process, we require the au pair's resume that must include detailed childcare experience, special skills, and work references to establish an au pair's credentials to work with children. We also pay special attention to whether an au pair has at least 200 hours of prior experience working with children under the age of two, or if she has special needs experience so that we can offer these uniquely qualified au pairs to families with those requirements.

Is she vegetarian? Does she like dogs? Can she swim? What kinds of hobbies does she enjoy? At first glance these questions might not seem important, but these lifestyle questions give you insight to life with the au pair so that you can determine if she is compatible with your family and lifestyle. Finally, a picture is worth a thousand words, so our au pairs also provide photos and a video introducing themselves.

In-person interview

Once an au pair has submitted her complete application, she will meet in-person with one of our GreatAuPair Representatives abroad. Our representatives are a special part of the GreatAuPair admissions team. Each representative is uniquely qualified by having lived in the US or has participated in an international exchange program. Some are former au pairs and others are Americans living abroad. Since each team member lives in the country where the au pair is applying, they are invaluable in helping GreatAuPair assess whether an au pair is a good candidate for the program. In addition to the interview, they conduct a standardized English evaluation to confirm the au pair's English proficiency, as well as verify local childcare and school references.

DISC Personality Profile

There are some things a resume just isn't going to tell you. Which is why GreatAuPair has invested in the DISC test, one of the best personality measures to assess an au pair's personality and character. The DISC test provides a detailed profile of the au pair's Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Compliance. The DISC test gives you unique insight into the au pair's personality and character, allowing you to determine if her personality type is going to be a good fit with your family. As you interview au pair candidates, you will have access to each au pair's detailed DISC test results profile.

Character Traits

Personality Attributes

Dominance

Describes the way an au pair deals with problems, asserts themselves and controls situations

Influence

Describes the way au pairs deal with others and the way they communicate and relate to others

Steadiness

Describes temperament - patience, persistence, and thoughtfulness

Compliance

Describes how au pairs approach and organize their activity, procedures, and responsibility

Personal review of each au pair candidate

Once an au pair has completed the entire application and screening process, a GreatAuPair admissions team member personally reviews the entire application taking into consideration all information available. If there are any questions or there is a need for more information, we communicate directly with the au pair to resolve any open items. We accept only those au pairs who have passed all our tests, met our requirements and demonstrated the ability to confidently provide great childcare to your kids. Only then do we suggest au pairs are ready for your consideration.

Au Pair from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

one or two weeks to find a family, besides it was Christmas' time, a really difficult time to find a family. But they were in rematch as well, and all worked out for us! Now I am considering being an au pair again, so I reactivated my account. And, for sure, will use GAP.com again! :)
Poly